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DFD

Describe data and process modeling concepts and tools, including data flow diagrams, a data dictionary, and process descriptions Describe the symbols used in data flow diagrams and explain the rules for their use Draw data flow diagrams in a sequence, from general to specific Explain how to level and balance a set of data flow diagrams

Introduction
In this chapter, you use data and process modeling techniques to develop a logical model of the proposed system and document the system requirements
Logical model shows what the system must do Physical model describes how the system will be constructed

Overview of Data and Process Modeling Tools


Systems analysts use many graphical techniques to describe an information system A data flow diagram (DFD) uses various symbols to show how the system transforms input data into useful information

Data Flow Diagrams


A data flow diagram (DFD) shows how data moves through an information system but does not show program logic or processing steps A set of DFDs provides a logical model that shows what the system does, not how it does it

Data Flow Diagrams


DFD Symbols
DFDs use four basic symbols that represent processes, data flows, data stores, and entities
Gane and Sarson symbol set Yourdon symbol set

Data Flow Diagrams


DFD Symbols
Process symbol
Receives input data and produces output that has a different content, form, or both Contain the business logic, also called business rules Referred to as a black box

Data Flow Diagrams


DFD Symbols
Data flow symbol
Represents one or more data items The symbol for a data flow is a line with a single or double arrowhead Spontaneous generation

Data Flow Diagrams


DFD Symbols
Data store symbol
Represent data that the system stores The physical characteristics of a data store are unimportant because you are concerned only with a logical model Is a flat rectangle that is open on the right side and closed on the left side

Data Flow Diagrams


DFD Symbols
Entity Symbol
Symbol is a rectangle, which may be shaded to make it look three-dimensional Name of the entity appears inside the symbol Terminators Source Sink

Creating a Set of DFDs


Create a graphical model of the information system based on your factfinding results Performing three main tasks
Step 1: Draw a context diagram Step 2: Draw a diagram 0 DFD Step 3: Draw the lower-level diagrams

Creating a Set of DFDs


Draw a Context Diagram

Creating a Set of DFDs


Draw a Context Diagram
Drawing Guidelines
1. Draw the context diagram so it fits on one page 2. Use the name of the information system as the process name in the context diagram 3. Use unique names within each set of symbols 4. Do not cross lines 5. Provide a unique name and reference number for each process 6. Obtain user input and feedback

Creating a Set of DFDs


Draw a Diagram 0 DFD
Diagram 0 Zooms in on the context diagram and shows major processes, data flows, and data stores Must retain all the connections that flow into and out of process 0 Each process has a reference number Diverging data flow

Creating a Set of DFDs


Draw a Diagram 0 DFD
If same data flows in both directions, you can use a double-headed arrow Diagram 0 represents exploded view of process 0 Parent diagram Child diagram Functional primitive

Creating a Set of DFDs


Draw the Lower-Level Diagrams
Must use leveling and balancing techniques Leveling
Uses a series of increasingly detailed DFDs to describe an information system Exploding, partitioning, or decomposing

Creating a Set of DFDs


Draw the Lower-Level Diagrams

Creating a Set of DFDs


Draw the Lower-Level Diagrams
Balancing
Ensures that the input and output data flows of the parent DFD are maintained on the child DFD

Creating a Set of DFDs


Draw the Lower-Level Diagrams

Inventory table

Determine inventory need

Vendors that can supply

Select Vendor

Inventory table

Change quantity on order

Place Order

Data Dictionary
A data dictionary, or data repository, is a central storehouse of information about the systems data An analyst uses the data dictionary to collect, document, and organize specific facts about the system Also defines and describes all data elements and meaningful combinations of data elements

Data Dictionary
A data element, also called a data item or field, is the smallest piece of data that has meaning Data elements are combined into records, also called data structures A record is a meaningful combination of related data elements that is included in a data flow or retained in a data store

Data Dictionary
Documenting the Data Elements
You must document every data element in the data dictionary The objective is the same: to provide clear, comprehensive information about the data and processes that make up the system

Data Dictionary
Documenting the Data Elements
The following attributes usually are recorded and described
Data element name or label Alias Type and length Default value Acceptable values - Domain and validity rules

Data Dictionary
Documenting the Data Elements
The following attributes usually are recorded and described
Source Security Responsible user(s) Description and comments

Data Dictionary
Documenting the Data Flows
The typical attributes are as follows
Data flow name or label Description Alternate name(s) Origin Destination Record Volume and frequency

Data Dictionary
Documenting the Data Stores
Typical characteristics of a data store are
Data store name or label Description Alternate name(s) Attributes Volume and frequency

Data Dictionary
Documenting the Processes
Typical characteristics of a process
Process name or label Description Process number Process description

Data Dictionary
Documenting the Entities
Typical characteristics of an entity include
Entity name Description Alternate name(s) Input data flows Output data flows

Data Dictionary
Documenting the Records
Typical characteristics of a record include
Record or data structure name Definition or description Alternate name(s) Attributes

Data Dictionary
Data Dictionary Reports
Many valuable reports
An alphabetized list of all data elements by name A report describing each data element and indicating the user or department that is responsible for data entry, updating, or deletion A report of all data flows and data stores that use a particular data element Detailed reports showing all characteristics of data elements, records, data flows, processes, or any other selected item stored in the data dictionary

Process Description Tools


A process description documents the details of a functional primitive, and represents a specific set of processing steps and business logic

Process Description Tools


Modular Design
Based on combinations of three logical structures, sometimes called control structures, which serve as building blocks for the process
1. Sequence 2. Selection 3. Iteration - looping

Process Description Tools


Structured English
Must conform to the following rules
Use only the three building blocks of sequence, selection, and iteration Use indentation for readability Use a limited vocabulary, including standard terms used in the data dictionary and specific words that describe the processing rules

Process Description Tools


Structured English
Might look familiar to programming students because it resembles pseudocode

Process Description Tools


Decision Tables
Shows a logical structure, with all possible combinations of conditions and resulting actions It is important to consider every possible outcome to ensure that you have overlooked nothing

Process Description Tools


Decision Tables
Can have more than two possible outcomes Often are the best way to describe a complex set of conditions

Process Description Tools


Decision Trees
Graphical representation of the conditions, actions, and rules found in a decision table Whether to use a decision table or tree often is a matter of personal preference

Logical Versus Physical Models


While structured analysis tools are used to develop a logical model for a new information system, such tools also can be used to develop physical models of an information system A physical model shows how the systems requirements are implemented

Logical Versus Physical Models


Sequence of Models
Many systems analysts create a physical model of the current system and then develop a logical model of the current system before tackling a logical model of the new system Performing that extra step allows them to understand the current system better

Logical Versus Physical Models


Four-Model Approach
Develop a physical model of the current system, a logical model of the current system, a logical model of the new system, and a physical model of the new system The only disadvantage of the four-model approach is the added time and cost

Chapter Summary
During data and process modeling, a systems analyst develops graphical models to show how the system transforms data into useful information The end product of data and process modeling is a logical model that will support business operations and meet user needs Data and process modeling involves three main tools: data flow diagrams, a data dictionary, and process descriptions

Chapter Summary
Data flow diagrams (DFDs) graphically show the movement and transformation of data in the information system DFDs use four symbols A set of DFDs is like a pyramid with the context diagram at the top The data dictionary is the central documentation tool for structured analysis

Chapter Summary
Each functional primitive process is documented using structured English, decision tables, and decision trees Structured analysis tools can be used to develop a logical model during one systems analysis phase, and a physical model during the systems design phase

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